Definition

A hormone produced in the body that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and maintain it, also used in some medications for menstrual issues and contraception.

Example

Doctors may prescribe progesterone to help with certain menstrual disorders.

Conversation

I've been reading about hormones and learned that progesterone plays a key role in pregnancy.

That's interesting! I didn't know it was so important.

Yeah, it helps prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg.

Makes sense! Hormones really do a lot for our bodies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Progesterone is formed from "pro-" (meaning in favor of or for) and "gestare" (meaning to carry or to bear). The suffix "-one" is used in chemistry to denote a ketone. Thus, progesterone refers to a substance that supports or promotes carrying a pregnancy.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pro-' meaning in favor of and 'gestare' meaning to carry — progesterone is a hormone that helps support carrying a pregnancy.

Visually Confused Words